Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has shifted the blame toward the previous administration for the emergence of so-called “ghost” flood control projects that have recently drawn public outrage and sparked congressional inquiries.
Speaking during a press briefing at Malacañang, Marcos Jr. said the questionable projects — worth billions of pesos in total — were “inherited problems” that his government is now trying to untangle. “We are cleaning up the mess that was left behind,” the President declared. “Many of these flood control programs existed only on paper — no real work was done, but the funds were already released.”
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been conducting an audit of flood control projects from 2019 to 2022, uncovering numerous incomplete or non-existent infrastructure sites, especially in Northern Luzon and the Visayas. Initial reports reveal that millions of pesos were allocated for dikes, drainage systems, and waterways that either remain unfinished or were never started.
Marcos Jr. assured the public that his administration will hold accountable those behind the anomalies. “We cannot tolerate corruption, especially in projects meant to protect our people from disasters,” he said, emphasizing that his government’s flood mitigation plans will prioritize transparency and quality implementation.
Opposition figures, however, criticized the President’s remarks as a “deflection tactic,” arguing that corruption continues under his leadership. “Instead of blaming the past, Marcos should focus on fixing the system and punishing current offenders,” said one opposition lawmaker.
As investigations continue, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is expected to summon former officials from the DPWH and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to explain how funds for the supposed flood control projects were disbursed.
The controversy adds another layer to the growing public frustration over the government’s slow response to recurring floods across the country. With the rainy season intensifying, citizens are demanding not only answers but visible results.
